Figures compiled by Transport for London and published today by the Mayor’s office suggest traffic levels in central London have fallen by around 20% during the hours the congestion charge operates.
TfL analysis also suggests traffic levels in the western extension area will be reduced by 10-15 per cent when the zone goes live on 19 February. Publishing the figures today Mayor Livingstone claimed that had the congestion charge not been in operation the level of roadworks in the capital would have caused traffic in the city centre to grind to a halt.
“Without congestion charging, central London would almost certainly have ground to a halt by now” Mr Livingstone told reporters.
The Mayor has called on central government to agree regulations promised under the Traffic Management Act 2004. These would replace the current “chaotic” system of streetworks and give TfL the power to co-ordinate works.
Mr Livingstone said he had been asking the Government “to move forward on regulating and coordinating the digging up of roads for over two years.” and that he was now calling on Ministers “to urgently bring these regulations into force. They are essential to keep London’s traffic moving, working in tandem with congestion charging and the benefits it has brought to London.”
